It is a very common practice these days to overlook the right amount of air pressure in tires of vehicles. People spend a hefty amount on the maintenance of their cars to keep it fuel-efficient but ignore this important aspect of tire air pressure. Usually, we are the ones who dictate their lifespan. Along with wheel balancing and alignment, tire pressure not only defines our driving experience but can also result in a fatal accident if not kept under observation. Tires have treads on its surface that may wear out prematurely if you have a casual attitude towards their air pressure.
Every vehicle comes with a recommended tire pressure measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) in accordance to its manufacturing. It lies between 30-34 PSI for most of the vehicles. Mostly it is printed inside the driver's door sill or at times inside the fuel tank lid. Owner's manual can also be consulted to verify the exact number for your tires. It is the pressure any tire can withstand with a specific amount of load on the vehicle. Neither over inflating your tires nor under inflating would help the car perform better on the road. Instead, it would result in a rapid wear of the tire.
OVER-INFLATION:
When the amount of air inside the tire crosses the recommended limit, it becomes round from the center tread thus exposing less base of a tire to the road. With the passage of time, the center tread of your tire would wear out as compared to the shoulders. You may have to change tires a lot earlier no matter how expensive you have already installed. Many people consider this practice as saving fuel but it could turn out to be life-threatening. When you expose less tire base to the road, the car loses its road grip significantly. There is a fair chance to face trouble while turning the car at high speeds and may even result in an accident. The vehicle takes more time to slow down with overinflated tires. Car handling is highly affected as a result. So it is highly recommended to keep an eye on the right amount of air pressure in tires as specified by your vehicle manufacturer.
UNDER-INFLATION:
Similarly, driving with a low air pressure than usual may also lead to a reduced life of the tire and extra fuel burning. When a tire is under-inflated, it experiences less inflation at the tread center thus making the tire wear out at the shoulders. Eventually, you will have to schedule a before time replacement. Moreover, the resistance between tires and the road increases with low air pressure making the car hard to accelerate. An engine in return takes more power to accelerate the car hence making the car less fuel-efficient. This would not only make you spend extra money on fuel but tires would need an early replacement as well. Whenever you feel hard to move the steering wheel, don't waste any time to get your tires checked.
CONCLUSION:
So, keeping a close eye on measuring and keeping proper air pressure before going on a drive would make your life hassle-free. Always look out for the air pressure in the spare tire as well because you might need to replace at any certain point of your journey. Follow the recommended pressure of your vehicle to avoid any inconvenience and make them complete their life cycle.